Sleep apnea's heart risk comparable to that of diabetes in study

People with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea have similar early endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness as patients with diabetes, increasing their risk for cardiovascular disease, a small study found. "Our study is a signal for cardiologists, pneumologists and general practitioners to work together to actively diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, administer the appropriate treatment (continuous positive airway pressure -- CPAP) and assess arterial function," researcher Dr. Raluca Mincu said. The findings were to be presented at the annual meeting of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging.